Federation Day
From TF Library
Federation Day is a holiday celebrated throughout Trade Federation territory celebrated on day 62. It is officially proclaimed by the Duceroy one month in advance each year, and is celebrated by a day off from work for most beings, feasts, fireworks displays and gifts given to the populace from civic officials.
Old Federation Day
Under Neimoidian rule, the Trade Federation celebrated Federation Day on day 267, the reported date that the Federation was first formed. The holiday was proclaimed faithfuly by the Duceroy, who would speak on behalf of the Viceroy. It is believed the holiday began when an aspiring Neimoidian Duceroy wanted to solidify his popularity, declaring the holiday without the knowledge or consent of the Viceroy. This story may perhaps be a legend, but there is no way of knowing since the celebration's first records in the Federation Archives make note that it was an established custom before the Federation's government status was recognized.
As the Clone Wars dragged on and the Federation fell into disarray, Viceroyal administrations and their competitors began fighting over the scraps of the Federation's glorious territory. Federation Day became a political weapon in the hands of the Duceroy, and Viceroys who hated paying for the lavish celebrations incurred began imposing a heavy "Federation Day Tax." The fighting over Federation Day was one of the many things that ultimately bankrupted the Trade Federation, wresting the control of the faction from greedy Neimoidian bureaucrats. Once bankrupt, the Federation ceased the celebration at the direction of its Hapan creditors.
Restoration
Corbin Esco, a young Hapan entrepreneur and adventurer, purchased the rights to the Trade Federation and began purging many of the old influences that had led to the downfall of the old Federation. One of the things that was set aside was Federation Day. It was Viceroy Esco's belief that the celebration held too much potential for infighting, and was too expensive for a newly-restarted comapny to finance. As the Federation grew into a new government again, it became clear that such a precaution was no longer necessary. Viceroy and Duceroy proved to work together, with one often succeeding the other. After years without Federation Day, Viceroy Horley Cyan authorized his Duceroy Bren Morgarr to announce the resurrection of Federation Day. It was decided to celebrate Federation Day on day 5, the anniversary of Viceroy Esco's rule.
Today's Celebration
Today, many of the old customs surrounding Federation Day are practiced. Viceroy and Duceroy alike bestow a gift to the people of the Federation, and strongly encourage local governors to do likewise. It is seen as a mark of the ruler's largesse and commitment to the hapiness of the people, and these gifts can often be quite a boon to local planets. It is currently forbidden for the Viceroy or Duceroy to use Federation monies for their gift, and their gifts to the people come from their own personal income. A holiday from work is observed throughout Trade Federation Territory on Federation Day, and the members of the Trade Federation's nationalized factions share in the feasts and celebrations that go along with the holiday.
